VA Disability Payment Dates Set for December - Here’s When You’ll Get Yours

As one of many of its many responsibilities, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays out monthly benefits to millions of veterans. Typically, these benefits are received by disabled veterans who were disabled as a result of their military service.

For many veterans, this monthly payment offers a financial lifeline. Even with the government slowly reopening its doors, it's natural to wonder if you'll see a lag in your VA payments. This guide highlights when you can expect to receive your VA benefit check in December, to help you prepare yourself financially for the coming month.

When are VA benefits typically paid?

VA benefits are usually paid out on the first day of every month, following the month they cover. For example, March benefits would usually be paid out on April 1.

But sometimes a federal holiday may throw a small wrench in that plan. If the first day falls on a holiday or weekend, you may receive your benefits on the last business day of the previous month. For example, if February 1 is a Saturday, then you would receive your payment on January 31.

Although the government shutdown had the potential to impact benefits, it has now ended, so it shouldn't affect any VA benefit payments in December 2025.

When will VA benefits be paid in December?

December's VA benefits will be paid out on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Since January 1st coincides with New Year's Day, a federal holiday, expect to receive your benefits a day early.

How many veterans receive disability compensation?

Approximately 6.9 million veterans and eligible survivors receive VA disability compensation. That works out to approximately 40% of the 16.2 million U.S. military veterans.

Who qualifies?

In order to be eligible for the tax-free disability payment, veterans must provide evidence of a service-connected condition. Either the illness or injury must have been caused by your active military service, or your active military service made your condition worse. Additionally, you may be able to claim disability even if the injury or illness didn't appear until after your service ended.

Some examples of possibly eligible conditions include:

• Chronic (long-lasting) back pain resulting in a current diagnosed back disability
• Breathing problems resulting from a current lung condition or lung disease
• Severe hearing loss
• Scar tissue
• Loss of range of motion
• Ulcers
• Cancers or other conditions caused by contact with toxic chemicals or other dangers
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mental or physical health conditions related to military sexual trauma (MST)
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

How much can you get?

How much you can receive in disability payments varies based on your condition and household situation. If you are eligible to receive any amount of disability, you'll receive a rating between 10% and 100%. Veterans with a higher percentage of disability rating receive a higher dollar amount.

For example, in 2025, a veteran with a 30% disability rating would receive $552.47 per month. But if that same veteran had a spouse and child, the payment amount would increase to $666.68 per month.

The lowest amount you could receive is $180.42 per month. The highest amount you could receive is $4,671.47 per month for a household with one veteran, one spouse, and one child. For each additional minor child, you could receive $109.11. For each additional schoolchild over 18 in school, you could receive $352.45 per month.

Can you seek an increase in your rating?

When you receive a VA disability rating, it's not necessarily permanent. If you believe your rating was set too low, you can request a review of your disability rating.

During the review, you'll provide updated medical records to support your case. Although this process may take months, it could result in a higher rating and higher benefits.

Likewise, if your condition improves, you could request a review of your rating.

What's the payment schedule for next year?

After the December payment, we'll be moving into the new year. January 2026 benefits will be paid out on January 30, 2026.

You can find a full list of payment dates here:

What to do if you don't receive your payment

Mistakes can happen. If you don't receive your payment, make a visit to your local VA office or call the VA at 1-800-698-2411. Additionally, the VA benefits hotline could help at 1-800-827-1000.

Be prepared to explain the situation and provide documentation of the missed payment.

Bottom line

December's VA benefits will arrive on December 31, 2025. As you manage your finances, including your incoming VA disability benefits, mapping out a plan can help you stay on track.

If you're already retired, consider exploring these overlooked senior benefits to improve your financial situation.

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